Starting to compete in dog agility trials can feel overwhelming. After months or years of training classes, the jump from practice to competition seems huge. But thousands of handlers take this leap every year, and with the right preparation, you and your dog can have a fantastic first trial experience.
Before You Enter: Go Watch and Volunteer
The best advice from experienced competitors is unanimous: attend a trial as a spectator first. This gives you invaluable insight into the flow of events, what people bring, and how prepared (or unprepared) other handlers are.
Consider volunteering as ring crew, a leash runner, or bar setter. These are easy jobs that anyone can learn quickly, and they’ll give you a front-row seat to see how trials operate. Plus, many venues offer volunteer credits toward future entries.
Choosing Your First Trial: CPE vs AKC
If you’ve been training with CPE rules, starting with a CPE trial is often the gentler introduction to competition. CPE tends to be more laid-back and forgiving, with competitors who actively look out for newcomers. The community is known for being welcoming and helpful to first-timers.
CPE advantages for beginners:
- More forgiving rules (allows refusals and some dropped bars)
- Friendlier, less competitive atmosphere
- Multiple difficulty levels starting very low (Level 1)
- Variety of fun “games” beyond standard agility
AKC considerations:
- More formal and competitive environment
- Stricter rules (no dropped bars, limited refusals)
- Higher starting difficulty level
- More “professional” atmosphere that may feel intimidating
Registration and Entry Process
For CPE: Register yourself and your dog on CPE.dog to get your competitor numbers. Find events in your area on their events page - agility events will have (AG) next to the club name.
For AKC: Your dog must be AKC registered. Search for agility trials under “companion events” on the AKC Event Search.
Most trials still use mail-in entries with paper forms and checks, though some offer online entry. The event premium (information packet) contains all the details you need: entry forms, costs, schedule, venue information, and rules.
Essential Items to Bring
Must-haves:
- Your own crate (soft/fabric crates are popular for portability)
- Waterproof tarp or mat to put under your crate
- Folding chair
- Water bowl and fresh water for your dog
- High-value treats
- Poop bags
- Leash (keep your dog leashed at all times except in the ring)
Comfort items:
- Blanket or cover for your crate (especially helpful for reactive or anxious dogs)
- Snacks and lunch for yourself
- Entertainment (book, phone) for downtime between runs
- Toys for warming up
- Fan or shade for hot weather
What to Expect on Trial Day
Arrive at least an hour early for your first trial. You’ll need time to:
- Check in and get your armband numbers
- Set up your crating area
- Get your dog officially measured (required only twice in their career)
- Walk the courses without your dog
- Warm up your dog before your runs
Trial day etiquette:
- Keep your dog on leash at all times outside the ring
- Be ready when it’s your turn to run
- Help with course changes and setup when possible
- Never bring treats into the ring (major rule violation)
- Limit excessive barking out of respect for other competitors
Managing First-Trial Nerves
Don’t be surprised if your dog acts completely different at a trial than in class. The new environment, sounds, smells, and energy can affect even well-trained dogs. Some dogs get overstimulated and faster, others become cautious and slower.
Tips for success:
- Warm up your dog 30 minutes before your run
- Take bathroom breaks right after walking the course
- Stay positive and remember this is about having fun with your dog
- Don’t worry about qualifying (Q-ing) on your first few trials
- Focus on the experience and building confidence
Key Rule Differences
If you’ve trained primarily in CPE but plan to trial in AKC:
- AKC doesn’t allow dropped bars in any class
- Refusal rules are stricter in AKC
- AKC has fewer “games” and focuses more on standard agility sequences
- The starting level in AKC (Novice) is roughly equivalent to CPE Level 3
For a helpful breakdown of CPE games, check out this CPE Games for Newbies guide.
Building Your Agility Community
One of the best parts of trialing is the community you’ll discover. Most agility competitors are incredibly welcoming and happy to help newcomers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, introduce yourself to people setting up near you, and accept offers of help.
Consider connecting with your instructor to see if they’re attending any upcoming trials. Having a familiar face there can make your first experience much more comfortable.
Additional Resources
For finding trials:
- CPE Events - Complete listing of CPE agility trials
- AKC Event Search - Search for AKC agility trials by location
- USDAA Event Calendar - For USDAA trials
- UKI Events - UK Agility International events
For learning more:
- Clean Run Magazine - Premier agility publication with training tips and trial information
- Agility Nerd - Training resources and community forums
- AKC Agility Regulations - Official AKC rules and getting started guide
Equipment suppliers:
- Clean Run - Agility equipment and supplies
- Affordable Agility - Training equipment and accessories
- Max 200 - Crates, crate covers, and trial gear
Final Thoughts
Your first trial is about so much more than ribbons or qualifying scores. It’s about celebrating the partnership you’ve built with your dog and testing your training in a new environment. Even experienced competitors remember their first trials fondly, regardless of how they performed.
Remember: everyone at that trial was once exactly where you are now. The agility community understands first-trial jitters and is generally very supportive of newcomers taking this exciting step.
Take a deep breath, trust your training, and go have fun with your dog. That’s what agility is really all about.
Ready to find your first trial? Start by browsing events on CPE.dog or searching for AKC trials on the AKC Event Search. Don’t forget to check if your local agility club has upcoming trials - they’re often the most welcoming to newcomers!